Posted 2005-11-11 10:36 AM (#32907) Subject: F-550 anyone got one ??
Regular
Posts: 57
I am thinking about buying the new F-550 and would like to know if anyone on this site has one. Would like to know how you like it. How is the gas milage ? I am planning to haul horses up and down the Western States with a trailer that weighs about 12,000.00lbs fully loaded. My F-250 is not going to get the job done so I need to up grade. Any info would be greatly appreciated......
Posted 2005-11-11 12:29 PM (#32913 - in reply to #32907) Subject: RE: F-550 anyone got one ??
New User
Posts: 4
Location: MN
Wanted one, test-drove several, but found the price was too high for what I wanted to spend. Found 2005 F350 6.0L dually, with 4.30 rear end, that can tow over 18K #s. It pulls my 4-horse trailer like a dream.
Posted 2005-11-11 3:13 PM (#32920 - in reply to #32907) Subject: RE: F-550 anyone got one ??
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
Don't know why you are wanting the 550 other than heavier suspension and larger 19.5 wheels, the engine is the same (powerstroke) and trans is the same also. I've had 3 Fords all with powerstrokes of different years(96,99,&02) Got smart this last time and bought a Dodge, I'll admit it is not as luxurious as the Fords were, but It will eat them up towing.
Posted 2005-11-12 10:55 PM (#32960 - in reply to #32907) Subject: RE: F-550 anyone got one ??
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
The F450 and F550 are the same truck. The base axle ratio for the F450 is 4.30 and 4.88 starts the F550. I like the 4.30 but the 4.88 sames to vibrate more are highway speeds. Starting in 2005 the F450/550 have a wider front axle and coil springs. They turn about 12 ft. shorter than the old models. They will actually turn a hair tighter than the C4500/5500, which dosen't make since, comparing the same wheel base, the C4500 has a 53 degree wheel cut and the F450 has a 45 degree wheel cut.
Posted 2005-11-15 1:40 PM (#33067 - in reply to #32907) Subject: RE: F-550 anyone got one ??
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
You don't need an F550. I would either get F350 with a 4:30 rear or an F450 (4:30 rear). THe F450 has larger wheels and larger brakes which will help on big mountains.
Posted 2005-11-15 2:29 PM (#33075 - in reply to #32907) Subject: RE: F-550 anyone got one ??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
IMO forget the 450. Its not worth the added money over a 350. Shop around and you can get a 550 for the same money and not alot over a 350. I have a 3500 now but will upgrade to a 550, 5500, etc when I can get rid of the 3500 I have. Its not enough truck for a 12500 trailer in mountains. Sure it will pull at 55 mph but I do not drive that way nor do I intend to. I have found several 550's for the same money as a 350, 3500, 450, or 4500. Why not go with a larger truck. At least you will be over trucked instead of borderline. The 450 and 550 do not ride any different. They both are stiff unloaded but ride well loaded. My 3500 (unloaded) is the same way but alot softer than the 450 or 550 unloaded. I have been pondering the 550 move myself. I do not want the size of the GM 45 or 5500's. I like the size of the 450 and 550's. I feel like I can still use them for a day to day truck.
Personally if I could afford to have one to tow with it would be a freightliner or something similar but they are really good for towing only.
Again if you will get 1000 opinions if you ask. You just have to sort through what suits you.
Posted 2005-11-16 9:48 AM (#33107 - in reply to #33075) Subject: RE: F-550 anyone got one ??
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
A friend of mine pulled his large LQ trailer with an F550. He just told me that he would have been better off with the F450 because the 4:30 rear would have been better.
F-550 anyone got one ??
